Beg Me

Play Me #5

by Adriana Locke

Markie St. James is officially done with men.

Unfortunately, she needs one to defend her pickleball championship title against her cheating ex-boyfriend.

Her solution comes in the form of Jory Plath, her brother’s best friend, a single dad, and a professional rugby player. He’ll help her defend her title if she helps tutor his son. It’s a simple arrangement. Everybody wins.

Until they don’t.

Somewhere between practices, late nights, and giving the town something to gossip about, Markie and Jory go from pickleball partners to fake dating. And the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes he’s exactly the kind of man she swore off.

Now she’s not sure what’s worse—losing her title, losing the man, or losing her heart.

__________

Tropes:

* Single Dad
* Fake Dating
* Small Town
* Brother's Best Friend

Genres: Fake Dating, Romance, Sports Romance, Small Town Romance, Audiobook, Brothers Best Friend, Contemporary Romance

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2026

About the author

Adriana Locke is a USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author with a knack for writing swoony, unforgettable contemporary romances. At nineteen, she traded her small-town roots for big-city life, only to realize her heart beats for quiet mornings and cozy chaos. These days, she’s living her happily-ever-after in Ohio with Mr. Locke—her high school sweetheart—four lively sons, and two hilariously hyper Jack Russell terriers.

When she’s not penning love stories that will leave you laughing and sighing, Adriana is battling the epic quest of missing silverware, “gardening” (a.k.a. chatting with her plants), or leaving her grocery list on the counter as she heads to the store. Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let her books whisk you away to a world of heartwarming romance and irresistible heroes.

Reviews

[Devon Cook]

Ughhh Beg Me was the PERFECT ending to this amazing series!!
As always there were moments of laughter and I definitely cried a little. I loved seeing all the characters come together as one big family.
Jory was absolutely AMAZING, but he fell flat to my man, Brooks 🥵

But… ma’am. That epilogue? I love how everything fit together so perfectly between the engagements, marriage announcements, babies?! Lord help me.

[Bri]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[❤️ Nanda ❤️]

Beg Me is the last book in this series, and it's honestly, the one I didn't know I needed, but I'm glad that it happened anyway!

Since I listened to the audiobook, I won't even try to write their names (cause I'm still trying to figure it out where they came from 😂😂😂😂), but OMG... I love them (Gus included).

Their instant chemistry, their banter, their playfulness, his protective side, her "Gianna" side 😂 (she's really so much like Gianna, that it's even mentioned 💅🏻), the way they both fell hard and effortlessly. The three of them become a family in no time.

It was also amazing to see the previous couples so present in their lives, and even a few marriages and engagements.

Miles though, can go to hell.

[2manybooks.2littletime]

Beg Me is the kind of fake‑dating romance that struts in with attitude and refuses to be quiet about it. Markie and Jory have a dynamic that snaps from the very first page - sharp banter, stubborn pride, and that “I absolutely do not like you… but also I kind of do” vibe that makes every interaction feel charged (at least from her side).

Their partnership starts as pure convenience: she needs a pickleball partner with actual backbone, and he needs help for Gus, who steals scenes like it’s his full‑time job. But somewhere between late‑night practices, small‑town gossip, and the two of them pretending they’re not getting attached, things shift. You can feel it in the way they talk, the way they show up for each other, the way they keep circling closer without meaning to.

Markie’s determination meets Jory’s steady, quietly protective energy, and suddenly this “simple arrangement” is anything but. It’s fun, it’s bold, it’s full of personality - and watching them slide from reluctant allies to something undeniably real is the best part.

If you love fake dating with bite, small‑town meddling, and a single dad who brings heart to every scene, this one hits the spot.

[Deb]

I absolutely love the double entendre of the title phrase in this book that starts out referencing pickleball but actually means something much more intimate.

In true Adriana Locke fashion, these characters wrap themselves around the reader’s heart. Gus totally steals the book, but Jory and Markie are so relatable I found myself invested from the very first page.

The cameos and text chains featuring characters from the earlier books in this series enhance the world building. Sugar Creek is everyone’s favorite small town where privacy doesn’t exist and relationship status is updated before breakfast.

This book is perfect for fans of small-town, fake dating, single Dad and sports tropes. This series can be read in any order, but I’d recommend starting with Play Me and reading them all. I promise they’re worth begging for.

I received an advance copy from the author which did not impact my review.

[The Rampant Reader]

Thank you to the author for the gifted e-copy.

“If you get on your knees, begging isn’t what you’ll be doing.”

Vibes: summer loving

Jory may be one of my favorite MMCs in this series. He is just so darn sweet and all around good guy. His son is the perfect wingman, I can see where all the charisma came from.

Tropes:
Single Dad
Fake Dating
Fling
Small Town
Pickleball + Rugby
Found Family

[Alli Carlson]

This series has been so fun because every book feels a little different while still staying connected. Beg Me gives us small-town romance, professional sports romance, found family, humor, grief, and one very swoony single dad rugby player named Jory.

Markie is fiery, competitive, heartbroken, and determined to win her town’s pickleball tournament after her cheating ex decides to compete with the woman he left her for. Enter Jory: hot, protective, thoughtful, and very interested in becoming both her pickleball partner and something more.

Their banter was fun, the chemistry was immediate, and Jory is exactly the kind of MMC Adriana Locke writes so well. Protective without being overbearing, completely gone for her, and occasionally saying things that made me need to stare at the wall for a minute.

What surprised me most, though, was how deeply I related to Markie. Her grief over losing both of her parents, the loneliness of hitting milestones without them, and the pressure of feeling like you have to figure everything out without the people you once counted on hit me hard. There were several moments where I felt very, very seen.

Gus, Jory’s son, was hilarious and completely stole every scene he was in, and I loved seeing the characters from the rest of the series woven back into the story.

The ending wrapped everyone’s stories up in a neat little bow that was maybe a tiny bit far-fetched, but honestly? I didn’t care. I had fun.

This was exactly the bingeable, swoony, genuinely enjoyable romance I needed.

[Jess - Reader of Books]

Beg Me by Adriana Locke
📚Play Me, Book 5
✏️Interconnected Standalone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
♾️August Favorite
Adult • Romance
📖328 Pages
🗓️August 24

💛single dad
💛fake dating
💛small town
💛brother’s best friend
💛rugby romance
💛pickleball partner

[I received an eARC for Beg Me from @authoradrianalocke @teamadrianalocke @adrianalockebooks ]

🔎 “Save you? I wasn’t saving you, Markie.” “Then what were you doing?”
“I promised to go to war with you. And I keep my promises.”

💛Jory and Markie. Markie and Jory. And Gus. Always Gus... this kid is now my FAVORITE secondary character in all romance books. He was just a delight to read.

💛But Jory and Markie were not *just* a delight to read. There was nothing *just* about them. They were everything I love and cherish in a fake dating romance. Everything I crave and hope for in a single dad romance. Everything I wish for and adore in a small town romance.

💛There are thousands upon thousands of fake dating books out there. And yet this one was *that* memorable one. It’s one of my favorites in the subgenre I’ve ever read and one I’m sure will be hard to forget... And by that I mean I won’t.

💛Everything just made sense, fit comfortably, and unfolded with the perfect cadence. I loved the plot, the side conflicts, and the characters. I adored every single page and was glued to this book like my kindle was welded to me.

💛To know them is to love them💛

[Wendy Livingstone]

This is the fifth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Markie and Jory’s story.
Markie has sworn off men, but when she needs to defend her pickleball championships, she needs a partner, as she will be going up against her cheating ex. Jory is a single dad to his 11-year-old son, and he is a professional rugby player, as well as Markie’s brothers’ best friend. Markie aske Jory and he agrees to partner with her; in exchange she tutor his son.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, fake dating, close proximity, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining and heartwarming small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Tiffany]

Single Dad
Fake Dating
Brother's Best Friend
Small Town

Markie and Jory's love story is full of banter, tension and an overload of chemistry. The narrators of the audio was freaking amazing! Allyson Voller and Lance Greenfield gave these charcters life! They kept my attention from the 1st conversation with Markie and Gus, Jory's 11yr old son. He is so funny, playing matchmaker. Hard not to fall in love with that kid!
Lots of cameos of everyone from the previous books in this series. Im gonna miss Sugar Creek. Hopefully, Adriana will bring us back from time to time.

Thank you Adriana for the ALC!!
Loved it ❤️❤️ Looking forward to what you release next!!

[Kim Carter]

Omg! Jory and Markie were absolutely perfect!!! Addy, you did it yet again!! Jory is the perfect single dad, golden retriever and Markie fits him just perfectly! Love the fake dating that turned to real dating with some quickness! The chemistry was off the charts, and the shenanigans with Gus were too cute!! Jory is the best kind of protective alpha male! Love seeing all of the characters of this series come together as such a found family!!

[Michellelovesreading]

This book had all of my favorite tropes. This is the fifth book in the play me series and i enjoyed it so much.

Tropes:
Small town
Single dad
She tutors his son
Fake dating
Brothers best friend
Spicy lessons

stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️

[April Felty]

🚨 I DIDN’T READ BEG ME… I SURVIVED IT. 🚨

WHO GAVE ADRIANA LOCKE PERMISSION TO DO THIS TO ME?! 😭🔥

I opened Beg Me thinking, “Oh, cute, I’ll read a few chapters.”

HAHAHAHAHAHA.

NO.

This book grabbed me by the throat, stole my sleep, wrecked my ability to form coherent thoughts, and then had the audacity to make me fall completely in love with these characters. 🫠

The CHEMISTRY?! ILLEGAL.
The tension?! I NEED A RESTRAINT ORDER.
The banter?! I WAS GIGGLING LIKE AN IDIOT.
The spice?! SOMEONE CHECK MY PULSE. 🥵🔥

And can we talk about the whole begging situation because… GIRL. 😮‍💨

I was over here staring at my Kindle like:

“EXCUSE ME??? WE ARE IN PUBLIC.”

Meanwhile, my Kindle was basically smoking. 🔥📱

But underneath all that delicious tension is the emotional stuff that REALLY got me. Watching Jory and Markie navigate their feelings, vulnerability, and all the complicated baggage between them had me going from “GET ITTTT” to “SOMEONE PLEASE HUG THEM” in approximately 0.4 seconds.

I laughed.
I swooned.
I screamed.
I kicked my feet.
I stared into the void.
I questioned my life choices.

And I would do it all again.

Adriana Locke really said, “Here, have some chemistry, emotional damage, tension, and enough spice to make you forget what year it is.”

AND I SAID THANK YOU, MA’AM. MAY I HAVE ANOTHER? 😭🔥

This is for the girlies who want their romance with HEAT, tension, attitude, feelings, and a hero who has absolutely no business being that damn attractive.

5 ⭐️ because apparently I enjoy suffering.
5 🔥 because GOOD LORD.
10/10 would let this book ruin my sleep again.

📚 Final verdict:

Read it. Immediately.
Cancel your plans.
Charge your Kindle.
Tell your responsibilities to beg you for attention.

Because I promise… YOU’RE GOING TO BE THE ONE BEGGING FOR MORE. 😏🔥

[Dani (dtieds_allbookedup)]

Rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to @authoradrianalocke for the #gifted copy of this book. 🫶

My Thoughts: Boy oh boy, am I glad Adriana decided to gift us with one more story from Sugar Creek with Markie and Jory. From the very first scene at the farmer's market, I was hooked and couldn't put this book down (I even read it discreetly in the car pickup line for school). However, Gus, Jory’s son, stole my heart from the moment he met Markie and became a wingman for his dad. Gus reminded me so much of my own 10-year-old son that I couldn’t help but smile and laugh every time he was on the page.

From their very first meeting over the jam table, Jory and Markie never really stood a chance. Their banter was everything, with chemistry that practically jumped off the page. But what truly stole my heart was watching them realize that the simplest moments together could be the most special.

I loved Markie so much. She spoke her mind freely and didn't shy away from the tough conversations. I loved her fierce determination to win the pickleball tournament at all costs, even interviewing her potential partners.

If you haven't picked up this series yet, you really need to. The found family throughout this series is just so fun, and this was a beautiful way to wrap up these stories.

What You'll Find:
🔥Brother's Best Friend
👨‍👧Single Dad
💋Fake Dating
🏡Small Town
🫶Found Family

[Ashley]

Looks like Adriana saved the best for last because this one is my favorite of the series HANDS DOWN!!

When Markie needs a partner for a pickleball championship, Jory doesn't hesitate to step up to the plate. Jory Plath... I love the man that you are!! My oh my! He's literally the definition of if "he wanted to, he would". Markie has always been let down by the men in her life, aside from her dad & grandad, and Jory is determined to be the best for her. Their chemistry is off the charts and they are SO freaking good together. Like, I love them so much.

Jory's son, Gus, is the freakin' cutest. I loved his personality and his fun, meddling matchmaking ways. I also liked relationship that Jory had with his son's mother, Deidre. It's refreshing to see a healthy co-parenting relationship. I absolutely ate this one up and was honestly sad when it was over.

Thank you so much to Adriana Locke for this e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Larks Books]

Dropshot and Banger in the Kitchen

Pickleball Princess meets Rugby Boy. A small town romance set in the summer. Markie needs a partner to put a smack down on her cheating ex and claim the title of pickleball champion. Jory needs help teaching his 11 year old fractions. A deal is struck between the two adults, pickleball partners and math tutor. But it’s clear there’s chemistry on and off the court.
I enjoyed how these characters didn’t hold back. They recognized the connection and gave it their all. The only games being played were on the court. Markie was who she was with no apologies. And Jory wanted to show up for the people he loved. If you’re looking for low angst, small town shenanigans, friends who are family, an 11 year old who plays matchmaker, fake dating to stick it to a cheating no good ex, spicy bed times, and a happily ever after that makes you grin like a possum give this a go!

[Sara]

This book being an end to a fun an hilarious series. Markie St. James is so focused on finding a decent partner for the annual pickleball tournament she has a one-track competitive mindset. Her goal is to maintain her status as tournament champion and beating her cheating ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend.

I lived how high energy and fun Markie is as a character. The introduction of Gus and Jory is hilarious - Gus is a little scene stealer! Jory is immediately attracted to Markie but she’s resistant to his sexy charm…or is she?!

The banter, teasing and emotional connection between the characters is entertaining and addictive. After 5 books these characters’
Interactions are a blast.

I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.

[Rachel]

📕Book Review📕
Another cute and spicy romance by Adriana Locke to add to the growing list of books she’s written that entertain me and make me swoon.

I don’t know much about pickleball, but I’d argue the way these characters had back and forth banter and tension and chemistry likely mirrored the game? I don’t know what I’m talking about, but it worked. Markie was fun, spunky, assertive and had something to prove as she navigated having to compete against a douchey ex. Jory was a swoon factory-single dad, athlete, respecter of women-very bad at math (🤭).

Gus, Jory’s son, was a delight-I enjoyed his character so much. Overall this was very entertaining and a fun time.

Thank you to the author for the eARC and opportunity to read and review early.

[Rachel]

Markie and Jory brought this story from the very beginning with the perfect banter after the most fun meet-cute! They're funny, sweet, endearing, and such an adorable team. I loved the fresh take on sports with pickle ball and how competitive Marky is. These characters spiced it up on the court with their flirty words and that translated to so much more!

Not only did I love Markie and Jory, but Gus was a standout character too and had me cracking up with his wit and charm. I loved how perfect Jory was as a dad and how delightfully Markie fit right into their family.

On audio, Allyson Voller & Lance Greenfield did a perfect job bringing to life such a fun story!

TROPES:
Small Town
Fake Dating
Friends to Lovers
Single Dad
Brother's Best Friend

Thank you to Adriana Locke for the ALC.

[Sorina]

“Beg Me” by Adriana Locke is part of the "Play Me" series.

I received an advance listener copy from the author.
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

Tropes:
- single dad
- fake dating
- small town
- brother's best friend

Markie needs a pickle ball partener to defend her cheating ex at a competition.
Jory is new in town, but he is her brother's friend and a rugby player.
He is a single dad and his boy is the best matchmaker.

I loved the way the relationship between them developed and how well Markie also get with Gus, Jory's boy.

The audiobook is narrated by Allyson Voller and Lance Greenfield. They did a great job overall and I enjoyed listening to the story.

I am a bit sad that this is the last book in the series, but I am sure Adriana's next books will be just as good.

[June Skapik (Fortune)]

Man Im really going to miss this crew! The last couple (Markie & Jory's) story was bittersweet, funny and spicy all wrapped in one. Add in Gus and his one liners and you got yourself the perfect ending to the series. 5 stars as always!

[Jaime]

Joryyyy!!!

3 words: Jory Freakin' Plath!!!

More words: Jory's 11-year-old son Gus has some serious game! He's the ultimate wingman! He basically hand picked Markie for Jory.
These three were all so entertaining. Put them all together, and it's too much awesome!
4.75⭐️ 2.5🌶

[Mariana]

Como siempre, leí esta serie (o parte de ella) de forma desordenada. Me gusta, se leen rápido, son dulces y no tienen nada de toxicidad o drama muy extremo.

[Adri (books.with.adri)]

The tropes had me lining up to read this book and it did not disappoint!


I read this book in one sitting. Markie and Jory where amazing. I love the devotion Jory has as a father – also Gus lol loved that kid! And the chemistry between Jory and Markie was hot!

This was a great way to end this amazing series.

[Samantha]

I loved this book , I love a good fake dating situation and throw in single dad and I’m sold ! I love how strong and sassy Markie was she so funny and than we have Jory he’s a little more grumpy lol , the only thing that he is focused on is his rugby profession and his son , I love how Jory helped markie with her pickle ball title it was fun watching her be so competitive lol , all in all I loved this book so much ,

[Sarimarys]

I was in love with Jory the second he opened his mouth. 😂🥹❤️

This man is a single dad, professional rugby player, brother’s best friend, and quite honestly… PERFECT. I mean, Markie, I completely understand you. 😂

But can we also talk about Gus?! 🥹 That kid was absolutely adorable! He was so charming at only 11 years old, and the fact that he was basically out there playing matchmaker had me laughing. 😂 He knew what he was doing! I loved watching his relationship with Jory and how much personality he brought to the story. ❤️

Markie is officially done with men, but unfortunately, she needs one to help defend her pickleball championship title against her cheating ex. Enter Jory. 👀 Their arrangement seems simple: he helps her with pickleball, and she tutors his son. But then fake dating gets involved… and we all know how fake dating usually goes. 😏

I loved watching these two go from pickleball partners to something neither of them expected. Between the practices, late nights, small town gossip, and all that chemistry, it was impossible not to root for them. And honestly, between Jory and Gus, I was completely sold. 🫠❤️

Thank you so much, Adriana Locke, for providing me with an eARC before release day! 💕📖

[Colleen (The Book Lover Blog)]

3.5⭐️ | 3.75🎧 | 3🌶
Narrators: Allyson Voller & Lance Greenfield

Beg Me was an easy listen and an overall satisfying addition to the Play Me series.

Mackie and Jory's banter was entertaining, and they developed good believable chemistry. However, I felt that their emotional connection needed a little more depth.

The audio performance flowed well, and I thought the narrators did a decent job. I do prefer duet narration, though, so I was slightly distracted when the male narrator performed the female dialogue in a feminine voice and vice versa. It just wasn't my personal preference and took me out of the story a little at times.

If you enjoy the single-dad, small town, and fake dating tropes and are looking for a cute read with a bit of humor and spice, check out Beg Me.


______
*Complimentary ARC provided by the author. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.

[Tara]

I am obsessed with this book. It delivers all the banter, heart, sizzling chemistry, and emotional depth I crave in a romance. As Markie & Jory’s relationship evolves— sparks fly and walls begin to crumble. Markie is fierce, independent, and vulnerability has never been safe for her, but with Jory, something changes and she finds herself opening up. And he listens. He sees her, supports her, and becomes the safe space she has always wanted and needed. Jory is one of the swooniest characters I’ve read in a long time—gentle, protective, and quietly powerful. His son, Gus, is a mischievous little rascal! He had me cracking up! If you enjoy sweet, swoony, single dads and feisty, tell-it-like-it-is heroines then you need to check out this book!!

Listened to the audiobook 9/25/26
Allyson Voller and Lance Greenfield are both remarkable bringing the characters to life. You could hear how much heart they put into their performance as they captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. They are entertaining storytellers, and their captivating performance keeps you enthralled from beginning to end.

[Jenna Lundberg]

🏓❤️ She Needed a Pickleball Partner, Jory Wanted So Much More ❤️🏓
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Chili Peppers

Apparently the best way to recover from a cheating ex is to find yourself a ridiculously swoony professional rugby player, make him your pickleball partner, fake date him, and then beat your ex at his own game.

Honestly, Markie St. James might be onto something. 😂🏓❤️

Beg Me was exactly the kind of Adriana Locke romance I love. Funny, flirty, emotional, full of family and friendship, and ridiculously easy to devour. Markie and Jory had me invested from their very first meeting, but I have to admit there was one character determined to steal this entire book.

GUS. 😂❤️

Markie has sworn off men after discovering her boyfriend Jasper was cheating on her. Unfortunately, Jasper is also competing in the annual Sugar Days Pickleball Tournament with his new girlfriend, and Markie is absolutely NOT giving up her championship title without a fight.

She just needs a partner.

Enter Jory Plath, professional rugby player, single dad, and her half-brother Miles's best friend.

Jory needs someone to tutor his eleven-year-old son, Gus, in math. Markie needs someone athletic enough to help her destroy her cheating ex on the pickleball court.

Fractions for pickleball.

Seems perfectly reasonable.

Obviously they end up fake dating. 😂

I loved Markie. She's competitive, outspoken, assertive, funny, and completely unapologetic about who she is. This woman is interviewing potential pickleball partners because defending that championship is SERIOUS BUSINESS, and I respected the commitment. 😂

But underneath that confidence is someone carrying much more than heartbreak from a cheating ex.

Markie has lost both of her parents, and the grief she carries through adulthood gave her character so much more depth than I expected. There are milestones she has to face without them, moments when she wishes she could still turn to them, and decisions she has to make without the people she once expected would always be there.

Those quieter pieces of Markie's story really got to me.

And then there is Jory Plath.

SIR. ❤️

Jory might be a professional athlete, but what made me fall for him wasn't the rugby.

It's the way he shows up.

Jory is thoughtful, protective without becoming overbearing, respectful, funny, and incredibly intentional when it comes to the people he loves. Markie has spent enough time being disappointed by men that trusting another one isn't easy, but Jory doesn't simply tell her he's different.

He consistently shows her.

He is basically “if he wanted to, he would” in human form, and apparently that works VERY well for me. 😂❤️

I also loved that these two actually get to know each other.

Between pickleball practices, tutoring sessions, meals, texts, and late-night conversations, their supposedly convenient arrangement gives them room to become something real. They talk about grief, family, fears, Jory's future after professional rugby, and pieces of themselves they haven't necessarily shared with everyone else.

And their banter?

SO GOOD.

“Rugby Boy” and “Pickleball Girl” had chemistry from the beginning, and watching that chemistry slowly destroy every boundary around their fake relationship was half the fun.

The other half might have been Gus. 😂

Gus is eleven, struggling with fractions, and apparently sees absolutely no reason he shouldn't also serve as his father's personal wingman.

I adored his relationship with Markie. He isn't simply included so Jory can check the single-dad trope box. Gus has his own personality, his own relationship with Markie, and some hilarious matchmaking ideas about his dad's love life.

I also appreciated seeing a healthy co-parenting relationship between Jory and Gus's mother. We don't always need unnecessary drama surrounding the other parent in a single-dad romance, and I really liked the maturity that brought to Jory's story.

Then we have Sugar Creek itself, where apparently privacy is merely a suggestion. 😂

The meddling, friendships, group texts, previous couples, family chaos, and familiar faces made this town feel alive. I loved seeing everyone woven back into Markie and Jory's story, especially knowing this is our farewell to the series.

And can we please discuss the title?

Because Beg Me starts out meaning one perfectly innocent thing involving pickleball.

And then...

Well.

Let's just say Adriana Locke knew EXACTLY what she was doing. 😂🔥

Well played.

There is so much humor here, but I think what ultimately made this a five-star read for me was the heart underneath it.

Markie and Jory have both experienced losses and changes they never expected. Neither one's life looks exactly like they once imagined it would. Yet somewhere between fractions, pickleball practices, fake dates, small-town gossip, and an eleven-year-old matchmaker, they start figuring out what their next chapter could look like together.

The ending may wrap everything into an almost suspiciously perfect little bow, but you know what?

I DID NOT CARE. 😂❤️

By that point, I wanted every ridiculous, happy, swoony thing for these characters.

Beg Me was fun, spicy, heartfelt, and such a satisfying farewell to Sugar Creek. Jory gave me everything I want from a single-dad MMC, Markie was exactly the strong and spirited woman to keep him on his toes, and Gus made sure neither one of them could possibly have the entire spotlight.

I laughed, I swooned, I got emotional, and I was genuinely sad when I reached the end.

Sugar Creek, I'm really going to miss you. ❤️🏓

Thank you to Adriana Locke for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Patti Lucas]

I absolutely loved Markie and Jory’s summer fling love story! Beg Me by Adriana Locke; it is an incredible small-town fake dating/brother’s friend love story. Beg Me was a bittersweet book for me, it is the fifth and final book in her Play Me series. Adriana Locke continues to prove that she is an amazing storyteller, and a one click must read author for me. I was hooked from the first few pages, it was impossible to put Beg Me down, and I loved every moment on every page. Beg Me was one of the most enjoyable books that I have read recently, I could not put it down. I love that Adriana Locke continues to write the books that I love to read, and that she always chooses dialogue that stays true to her characters. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? Beg Me is a faking dating love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. Beg Me is the story of Jory Plath, Tennessee Royals rugby player and father of eleven-year-old on, Augustus “Gus” and Marcia “Markie” St. James. Gus meets Markie at a booth at the Sugar Creek farmers market and then introduces Jory to Markie. Markie is looking for a partner to defend her Sugar Days Pickleball Tournament crown. Conversation between Markie and Jory flows so easily, from their bickering to playful banter and innuendos that even flow through the text stream between them. Jory agrees to be Markie’s pickleball partner in return she will tutor Gus in math. I love Markie’s relationship with Gus; it is one of my favorite parts of the story. Both Markie and Jory share secrets with one another that they have not shared with anyone before. Markie shares about her childhood and her parents’ deaths, while Jory shares about his father’s his father’s death and only recently learning that he had a son with a college girlfriend. Markie’s last boyfriend, Jasper cheated on her, leading her to have trust to issues, and the real reason why she wants to win the pickleball tournament, since Jasper will be partnering with his new girlfriend. Markie suffers from insecurities because of her upbringing and is not sure that she can trust any man. Jory is best friends with Markie’s half-brother, Miles. Markie has a difficult relationship with Miles. I love the chemistry between Markie and Jory and how it changes with their meals, pickleball practices and math tutoring sessions. As Markie and Jory spend time together “fake” dating things quickly change between them, neither is willing to admit their true feelings for one another. Another favorite part is the nicknames that they have for one another, “rugby boy” and “pickleball girl.” I love all the heart-to-heart conversations that take place in Beg Me, especially the one between Markie and Jory when they discuss his future plans after his retires from rugby, and Markie and her friends. Some are truly heartbreaking. A heartbreaking plot twist changes everything between Markie, and Jory and puts their relationship in jeopardy when Markie believes that Jory is telling her goodbye. I love how Gus convinces Jory to go after his future step-mother, and everything that Jory does to get back together with Markie. I love that they finally admit their feelings for one another. I love all the changes that Markie is willing to make in her life and realizations that occur to her. I loved that Beg Me is more than just a romance, there are issues that both Markie and Jory are facing that need to be resolved to have a life with one another. I love how the storylines get so beautifully resolved. I love the ending of their love story, Jory’s proposal, and how the epilogue is the perfect ending to their love story and the series. I love all the surprises that are revealed in the epilogue, it was my favorite part of the story. Another favorite part of the story is how Adriana Locke incorporates the title of the book into Markie and Jory’s love story. I really enjoy how the book is told in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. I love how Adriana Locke always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy man. Adriana Locke continues to deliver all that and so much more. Beg Me is filled with poignant and bittersweet moments as well as plot twists and surprises that I have come to love and expect in an Adriana Locke love story. I especially love the moments that had me laughing. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Beg Me, the characters feel like family and friends. I enjoyed all the interactions between Jory and Gus, Gray, Drake, Brooks, and Hartley, and Markie’s relationship with her sister, Mira, and her friends Astrid, Audrey, Gianna, and Nettie and their group chat, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I loved catching up with all the characters in the series, the weddings, engagements, and surprise pregnancies. I loved all the characters in Beg Me; it was an incredible farewell to Sugar Creek. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I thoroughly enjoyed Beg Me, who does not love a single father/fake dating/brother’s friend love story. Highly recommend this incredible love. Received an advanced readers copy from the author.